Physical abuse

News

�� responds to NSPCC polling data on physical punishment

21 August 2025

New NSPCC polling reveals four out of five parents with a child under 18 in England (81%) believe it’s unacceptable for adults to use physical punishment on their child, with a similar number of young adults (82%) in agreement.

Resource

Ending the physical punishment of children - open letter from health organisations

In 2025, it cannot be right that children, the youngest and most vulnerable group in society, are the least protected from physical assault. �� are campaigning, alongside supporters from across the sector for equal protection for all children in the UK.

Safeguarding

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning

News

Join us in Glasgow for Annual Conference, changes at NHSE & your input on website changes - President's update

14 March 2025

The College Conference in Glasgow is just around the corner, with over 1,600 delegates already registered. This update reflects on the history of College meetings, including the 1934 conference, and how things have evolved since then.

Resource

Ending the physical punishment of children in England – joint briefing

In 2025, it cannot be right that children, the youngest and most vulnerable group in society, are the least protected from physical assault. This joint briefing calls on Peers to support an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing bill to give children equal protection from assault.

Safeguarding

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning

News

Putting child health at the centre of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

16 January 2025

This blog sets out the main themes of the Bill and highlights its most significant aspects for children, young people and �� members. Children’s social care and schools are devolved policy issues, so most of the legislation will apply in England only.

Document

Our campaign to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault

Children in England and Northern Ireland are the only people in the UK not full protected in law from assault. Learn about our campaign to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence from law in England and Northern Ireland to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault.

Public affairs and campaigning

Child protection

Physical abuse

News

�� responds to NSPCC’s corporal punishment data

21 August 2024

New data from the NSPCC shows that contacts to their Helpline about children being physically punished have tripled in the last year.

News

Paediatricians call for an end to unjust and dangerous smacking laws

17 April 2024

Children’s doctors in England and Northern Ireland are calling for equal protection for children and young people against physical assault, such as smacking, hitting, and slapping.

Resource

Equal protection from assault in England and Northern Ireland: Prohibiting physical punishment of all children

In England and Northern Ireland, children are the only group of people not fully protected in law from physical assault. Our recommendations demonstrate to Government policymakers both the practicalities of removing the 'reasonable punishment defence’ from law and the appropriate next steps to reduc...

Safeguarding

Child protection

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning

News

�� responds to the Home Office’s announcement on Mandatory Reporting of child sexual abuse

22 February 2024

The Home Office has announced that the Government intends to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England and Wales.